| Project Number: |
NCCT-09-04 |
| Location: |
| Research Triangle Park, NC |
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| Title of Project: |
Chemical Prioritization and Toxicity Testing of Nanomaterials |
| Brief Description of Research Project: |
The post-doctoral associate selected for this research project will participate in developing novel tools for characterizing and predicting potential hazard for a variety of classes of nanomaterials. The EPA's National Center for Computational Toxicology (NCCT) has identified the need to include nanomaterials in the ToxCastTM chemical prioritization program, evaluating the applicability of ToxCastTM predictive toxicity models developed using conventional chemicals towards nanomaterials. This approach will utilize extensive in vitro characterization of biological activity of tested materials and apply computational models to predict potential for toxicity.
A critical need is establishing appropriate material handling methods for testing nanomaterials in the ToxCastTM in vitro screening assays. In addition, the coordination of physico-chemical characterization of nanomaterials with key partners is required to provide appropriate understanding of the materials being tested and provide data for structure-activity relationships. This work will be coordinated with related national and international efforts to classify and prioritize nanomaterials for hazard (e.g. OECD, EU FP7 nanomaterials risk assessment).
ToxCastTM high throughput screening (HTS) data, physico-chemical properties, and all other accessible in vitro and in vivo toxicity data will be entered into NCCT databases and used to develop statistical and machine learning systems toxicology models. |
| High Priority Research Area: |
Computational Toxicology; Nanotoxicology |
| Projected duration of appointment: |
3 years; with option to extend up to 4 years. |
| Educational requirements: |
Ph.D. in toxicology, chemistry, biology, computational sciences or related fields. |
|
| Specialized training and/or experience preferred: |
Knowledge of nanomaterial properties; background in computational biology or toxicology; understanding of in vitro HTS assay technologies; strong analytical and informatics skills. |
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| Scientific contact/Principal Investigator* |
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